Kwara
State Government has earmarked over 12,000 hectares ahead of next farming
season as part of its efforts to drive large scale agriculture in the state.

The
state governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed gave this indication when the leadership of
a private University in the State, Landmark University, Omu Aran visited him on
how to initiate a public private partnership to develop agriculture sector in
the state.

Governor
Ahmed said Kwara State was fast emerging as the hub in poultry which potend
huge demand for maize and the need to enhance maize growth and storage
potentials in the state.

The
Governor noted that Nigeria must move from lip services in the drive to deepen
the agrarian revolution in the country, as food security is a necessary
ingredient for the nation's growth and development.

“Agriculture
is vital for strengthening the current economic direction. No doubt,
agriculture is one of the critical areas we must focus on to achieve the
desired diversification”, the governor said.

He
commended Landmark University for focusing attention on the development of
agriculture in the country, hence the willingness of the state government to
partner with the institution.

The
Vice Chancellor, Landmark University, Prof. Aize Obayan in her remarks said the
institution was driving agrarian revolution in the country by “digging up
treasures in mother earth” as everybody in the university was involved in
agriculture.

Prof
Obayan said this was premised on Landmark University’s interest in producing
human resources to drive agribusiness in the country.

She
said the university was desirous of a public private sector partnership in
upscaling agriculture as a business in the state, stressing that this will
check rural-urban migration as agriculture would be appealing to the youth.